In a world where innovation has become both the language and lifeline of progress, Kambis Kohansal Vajargah stands as a visionary who bridges the gap between ambition and impact. For over 15 years, he has been shaping the entrepreneurial landscape of Europe, not merely as a founder or investor but as a catalyst who turns ideas into ecosystems and challenges into opportunities.
“Leadership today means enabling others to succeed and building ecosystems that outlast us,” says Kambis, whose journey from a young dreamer in Vienna to one of Europe’s most influential startup leaders is as inspiring as it is instructive.
Born in Vienna to immigrant parents, Kambis grew up surrounded by stories of resilience and gratitude. Initially pursuing medicine, he soon realized that his true calling lay elsewhere, in the art of creation and collaboration.
“Entrepreneurship, for me, was a way to give back, to create confidence and opportunity for others the way my parents created stability for me,” he recalls.
His leap of faith led to the founding of several ventures, including whatchado, Carployee, and Freebiebox (now New Fluence), each reflecting his commitment to meaningful innovation. Over time, the young founder evolved into a community builder, dedicating himself to shaping policies and programs that nurture Austria’s entrepreneurial spirit. What began as a personal quest has today become a lifelong mission to make entrepreneurship accessible to all.
As Head of Startup-Services and Deputy Head of Founder-Services at the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ), Kambis leads national initiatives that support more than 37,000 new entrepreneurs each year. His work doesn’t stop at policy or program management, it transcends into mentorship, investment, and thought leadership. A serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and educator, he has invested in over 50 startups globally, served as a jury member for the World Summit Awards and SXSW Pitch, and authored books such as How to Start-up, Startup-Code, and Sammy und das Geheimnis der Goldmünzen.
“I believe in structured creativity, balancing vision with execution. Turning complexity into clarity is where leadership finds its purpose,” he notes. It’s this philosophy that underpins his approach to innovation: practical, inclusive, and human-centered.
Kambis’s leadership style is rooted in empowerment, trust, and collaboration. “Good leaders create followers, but great leaders create leaders,” he says with conviction. His teams describe him as transparent, value-driven, and deeply invested in the people he mentors. He encourages experimentation and open dialogue, believing that true innovation flourishes not in hierarchy, but in harmony.
His ability to simplify complex ideas has not only made him a sought-after advisor across Europe but also earned him recognition as a World Economic Forum European Digital Leader. His recent honors include the Fluxx Awards 2025, Startup Ecosystem Leader of the Year, and a spot among the Forttuna Global 100 Icons of Influence 2025, accolades that affirm both his impact and integrity.
Despite his demanding professional life, Kambis remains deeply connected to the values that ground him. For him, balance is not about perfect symmetry but rhythm. “My professional world moves fast, but I make time for stillness, especially with my family. True balance isn’t about doing less; it’s about being fully present wherever you are,” he shares.
Outside boardrooms and conferences, he finds peace in nature, food culture, and storytelling, mediums through which he reflects on life and purpose.
“Sometimes, the best reset comes from silence, stepping away from the noise to reflect and realign,” he says thoughtfully. These quiet moments of introspection fuel his clarity and creativity, allowing him to lead with empathy and foresight.
Kambis’s long-term goal is to make entrepreneurship a global equalizer, a tool for empowerment, not privilege. “I’m inspired by people who turn challenges into change. My goal is to build ecosystems where entrepreneurship is a possibility for everyone, regardless of where they start,” he emphasizes.
His work continues to bridge the worlds of policy, education, and innovation, ensuring that the next generation inherits not just opportunities but a mindset of collaboration and resilience. His mantra, “Believe. Execute. Learn.”, reflects his unwavering optimism and belief in continuous growth.
In an era driven by speed and scale, Kambis champions a more mindful narrative of success.
“Entrepreneurship isn’t just about building companies; it’s about building confidence, courage, and community. Start small, but start now. Progress begins with imperfection,” he advises.
His journey reminds us that leadership is not a title but a responsibility, one that shines brightest when used to illuminate the path for others. As Europe’s startup ecosystem continues to evolve, Kambis Kohansal Vajargah stands as a testament to what compassionate leadership and collective vision can achieve.
